There’s Good News: Community support shines at KIDS Center’s Healing Hearts fundraiser in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents gathered at the Riverhouse in Bend on Tuesday for the "Healing Hearts" fundraiser. The event raised money and awareness for the KIDS Center, which serves as the only child abuse evaluation and treatment center in the region.

The KIDS Center provides essential services for families impacted by abuse, including forensic interviews, child-friendly medical exams and ongoing therapy. Through community donations, the center is able to provide these services at no cost to the families they serve.

The KIDS Center relies on the Healing Hearts Society, a group of more than 200 community members who lead the effort to end child abuse in the region. These members contribute an annual gift of $1,000 or more to fund the center's operations. This level of support ensures that life-changing services remain available at no cost to every family served by the organization.

KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll participated as part of the presentation at the Riverhouse. The television station also served as a sponsor for the fundraiser. The KIDS Center remains the only facility in Central Oregon providing specialized child abuse evaluation and treatment.

Healing Hearts Society members receive several forms of engagement and recognition throughout the year. Benefits include a subscription to the "Giving Hope" newsletter and acknowledgment in the KIDS Center annual report. The organization also hosts a dedicated annual donor appreciation event to honor these contributors.

The KIDS Center holds the "Healing Hearts" event annually each April. Community members interested in donating or learning more about the Healing Hearts Society can find additional information on the KIDS Center website.